Bus falls off bridge and catches fire in South Africa, killing 45 people
On Thursday, 45 people were killed when a bus plunged off a bridge in South Africa, falling more than 150 feet, authorities said. Only one passenger, an 8-year-old child, survived the accident.
The bus was on its way from Botswana to the annual Easter service at a church in Moria, in South Africa's northern Limpopo province.
The Limpopo Transport and Regional Safety Authority said the bus driver lost control while driving on the bridge, collided with a barrier and fell about 50 meters onto a rocky area.
Limpopo City Transport and Community Department
Rescue operations continued until late Thursday. Police said some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition, while others were trapped in the debris of the vehicle.
The 8-year-old child is being treated at a nearby hospital, but police did not provide details about the child's condition.
Rescue workers told local media that the bus was towing a trailer, adding to the weight of the vehicle as it crossed the bridge.
South Africa's Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said at the scene of the accident: “My deepest condolences go to the families affected by the tragic bus accident near Mamatlakala.” “As more people hit the roads this Easter weekend, we continue to urge everyone to remain vigilant and drive responsibly.”
—Sarah Carter contributed reporting.
Summarize this content to 100 words
On Thursday, 45 people were killed when a bus plunged off a bridge in South Africa, falling more than 150 feet, authorities said. Only one passenger, an 8-year-old child, survived the accident. The bus was on its way from Botswana to the annual Easter service at a church in Moria, in South Africa's northern Limpopo province.The Limpopo Transport and Regional Safety Authority said the bus driver lost control while driving on the bridge, collided with a barrier and fell about 50 meters onto a rocky area.
Rescue workers at the scene of a bus accident in Mamatlakala, South Africa, on March 28, 2024.
Limpopo City Transport and Community Department
Rescue operations continued until late Thursday. Police said some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition, while others were trapped in the debris of the vehicle.
The 8-year-old child is being treated at a nearby hospital, but police did not provide details about the child's condition.Rescue workers told local media that the bus was towing a trailer, adding to the weight of the vehicle as it crossed the bridge.
South Africa's Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said at the scene of the accident: “My deepest condolences go to the families affected by the tragic bus accident near Mamatlakala.” “As more people hit the roads this Easter weekend, we continue to urge everyone to remain vigilant and drive responsibly.” —Sarah Carter contributed reporting.
S.Dev
S. Dev is the news editor at CBSNews.com.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bus-crash-bridge-south-africa-botwana-45-dead/ Bus falls off bridge and catches fire in South Africa, killing 45 people
